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Commanders already have first massive win weeks before season opener

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders have enjoyed a relatively clear run of luck on the health front this offseason. Veteran right guard Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL, but it's been mostly positive aside from that.

There was one cause for concern among the fan base when wide receiver Noah Brown was carted off the practice field at mandatory minicamp. The Commanders didn't disclose much information regarding the issue initially, but fears have been firmly alleviated now.

Washington's staff is still taking things slowly with Brown. But the fact that he's participating in training camp, looking sharp and fluid in his movements, cannot be seen as anything other than positive with just a few short weeks until the Commanders' regular-season opener against the New York Giants.

Noah Brown grateful after avoiding major injury at Commanders' mandatory minicamp

Brown's relief that it wasn't anything more serious couldn't be more obvious. He knows the violent nature of this business, but the former seventh-round pick is just grateful to be out on the field with his teammates.

Anytime you get banged up, it's not fun. But I was blessed to be OK and be able to get back in time for training camp and work out with the guys and build towards what we're trying to accomplish. I'm always working to avoid injuries. It's a contact sport. Sometimes, things happen.Noah Brown via Commanders.com

Noah Brown out at practice again today pic.twitter.com/Z5kCsWi32D
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 29, 2025

The fact that Brown is feeling good and looking the part is a massive win for the Commanders. Adam Peters made some useful additions to the wide receiver room this offseason, but the Ohio State product has a pivotal role to play.

Brown developed quick chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels despite arriving just before the 2024 campaign. He emerged as a dependable deep threat and a much smoother route runner than people give him credit for. The number of defensive pass interference penalties he accumulated was a testament to how difficult the wideout was to cover.

Terry McLaurin (contract extension pending) and Deebo Samuel Sr. will lead the charge. Brown projects as the No. 3 option slotted on the boundary. This will allow Kliff Kingsbury to move the likes of Samuel, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane around to exploit mismatches.

This is a potentially prolific wideout unit for Daniels to depend upon. Looking at the offensive line improvements, the tight end stability, and the emergence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the running back room, it would be a huge surprise if Kingsbury's offense wasn't among the league's best if everyone remains injury-free.

Brown's health will be key. And after a significant scare, everything is on the right track once again.